Danny Dyer: I'm EastEnders saviour

Danny Dyer claims he's 'EastEnders' saviour because his character will stir more trouble than the original owner, the late Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham), who was killed off in 2005

Danny Dyer claims he's 'EastEnders' saviour.

The 'Football Factory' star will make his Albert Square debut on Christmas Day (25.12.12) when he becomes Walford's latest Queen Vic landlord, Mick Carter, alongside Kellie Bright - who will play his on-screen wife Linda Carter - and he believes his character will stir more trouble than the original owner, the late Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham), who was killed off in 2005.

He said: "I'm bringing something to soap land that's never been seen before. I'm telling you that now right.

"You know, he [Dirty Den] was the eighties version, I'm bringing it up to date. I'm honoured that they are, it's never been done, a new

character coming in and taking over the Vic, it's the hub of the show."

The 'Business' star rejected a role on the BBC One soap in 2009 because he didn't think he could cope with the pressure, but he's convinced his arrival will boost ratings.

Speaking to Absolute Radio, he added: "It's a big responsibility. I'm ready for that responsibility. I don't want to let them down. I'm a little bit disappointed at how 'EastEnders' has been going sort of in the ratings and you know we're losing out to other soaps. I feel like I'm part of their team. So I want to help. I want to help turn the show round. So I'm going to freak some people out. I'm taking it to the next level. Maybe I'll do a ten stretch. Who knows."